Lusaka — A Catholic Church bishop who last year described as a scandal the close relationship between the Pope's representative in Zambia and President Rupiah Banda's "corrupt and heedless regime" has resigned.

Ndola Diocese overseer Bishop Noel O'Regan notified Pope Benedict XVI about his intention to resign and the pontiff accepted his resignation.

Bishop O'Regan, an Irish national, said he resigned to pave way for young priests to take over from him and preferably a Zambian.

"I have resigned so that others can be bishops," said Bishop O'Regan, adding that since Zambia became independent in 1964, Ndola Diocese had never had a Zambian Bishop.

He has been replaced by Bishop Alick Banda, a Zambian.

However, Bishop O'Regan was mute on whether or not he quit because of his scathing remarks against Vatican Ambassador to Zambia Nicola Girasoli but admitted that he had some difficulties working with some young priests, though that was not the cause of his resignation.

Early last year, following the arrest of Catholic Church owned Radio Icengelo station manager Father Frank Bwalya on allegations that he was inciting his listeners against President Banda and his government after the 2008 election through his 'anti-Banda' radio messages, leading to violent protests in Copperbelt Province, Bishop O'Regan removed the priest from his managerial position.